Summer Afternoon Tea
"If one cannot enjoy reading a book over and over again, there is no use in reading at all."
~Oscar Wilde
I spent several afternoons reading The Alchemist in August of 2008. I loved the book so much that, upon finishing it, I immediately turned back to the first page and began reading it a second time!
What books have had a profound effect on you? Which titles, when you hear them mentioned, bring a nostalgic smile to your face? Summer afternoons are the perfect time to go outside, find a quiet place to sit, and re-read a favorite book. You will have a totally new and different experience from the first reading and you will probably discover nuances of the book that you previously missed. No electronic or cinematic version can replace the sweet simplicity of reading the printed page. No internet connection or phone service provider is required. All you need is a few minutes a day, a quiet place to sit and a favorite book.
Say thank you for your favorite book by donating a copy to your local library. While you are there, sign up for a library card and make a visit to the library a regular outing. Transform your book club into a library club by meeting on the library grounds once a month for a picnic and book discussion. Better yet, introduce a young person you know to the adventure of books. Growing up as a library groupie had a profound effect on my life that I will forever be grateful for.
Summer afternoons are also perfect for a cool, refreshing bowl of Earl Grey Tea Sorbet.
Earl Grey Tea Sorbet
This sorbet is delicately delicious as a dessert, palate cleanser between courses or as an afternoon tea on a hot, summer day. If you don't have an ice cream maker, directions are given at the end of the recipe for Earl Grey Granita.
Makes 4 to 6 servings
3 cups of spring water
4 Earl Grey tea bags
1 cup of sugar
1 teaspoon of freshly squeezed lemon juice (optional)
Lemon cookies to accompany, if desired.
Bring water to a boil. In a 4 cup heatproof glass pitcher or measuring cup, add the water and tea bags. Let steep for 5 minutes. Remove tea bags and add sugar (and lemon, if desired). Stir until sugar is dissolved completely. Cool to room temperature. Cover and chill overnight in refrigerator. Process in an ice cream maker according to manufacturer's instructions.
Serve with lemon cookies.
Earl Grey Granita
Prepare ingredients as above. Cool mixture to room temperature, pour into a shallow container and freeze for four hours, stirring every 30 minutes to achieve a uniform texture. When frozen, simply scrape the granita into ice crystals with a fork and serve.
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